Can Owens And Durie Lead CFL In Receiving?

[jerrym]

After four games, Chad Owens leads the league in receiving yardage (380) and receptions (35) while Durie is second in yardage (316) and receptions (23). IMO, the key questions revolve around injuries. Both Owens and Durie have repeatedly limped off the field this year. The wear and tear on Owens from the combination of receiving and special teams work, along with his never-say-die attitude that leads to even more hits, makes him mores susceptible to injury as time passes and raises the question of whether his special teams work should be cut back on, to not only lengthen his career but to increase his chances of being available for most if not all of the season. Durie, who is about to turn 32 this week, is showing his age in terms of his numerous nicks during games, but is also showing how one can improve with age from experience and perseverance. Ray represents the third vital factor in terms of Owens and Durie having a shot at this feat. It is difficult to see how Owens and Durie could have a legitimate shot at leading the league if this or potential subsequent Ray injuries put him out for an extended period, as our two talented but inexperienced qbs are unlikely to be able to feed the ball often and deep enough for them to have a chance of being first and/or second in the league. The final factor of course is how well other receivers perform and how much time the other leading receivers miss due to injury.

[Will]

I can answer this question better once Ricky Ray's health has been determined. I think the health of Dontrelle Inman is also a factor here because Ray likes him as well as a target. So assuming Ray is OK and Inman comes back healthy in the next week and remains that way you may not see Durie and Owens catching as many balls as they are now, though they certainly will stay focal points. Durie has missed a few games per season since he became a receiver in 2010. Last year he was on pace for 1000 yards, but missed some time as did Inman so his health is also a factor in answering your question.

[herrington2828]

they need to find a guy like bashir levingston, a one-dimensional player who can solely return kicks and give Owens some breaks back there. Even as a 1-2 punch would be great!

[Midnight Blue]

Some very interesting thoughts, posted above.

It's only four games in, but if Chad Owens is turning into a premier receiver (which he is, and was last season), maybe one day he will need a back-up on punt/kick returns. Again, it's only four games in, but I have read some comments on here recently, that have suggested that Owens may be lacking a bit of spunk, on returns. Perhaps our kick-return coverage needs to improve (definitely), but maybe Chad Owens needs to focus on returns more. Time will tell.

[Ron]

no nope nope